Not only does it offer something for everybody, thanks to its range of continent-spanning dishes, newly opened ACafé in the city of San Juan also promises to give its guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
By Alex Y. Vergara
Photos courtesy of ACafé
Foodies in San Juan and nearby districts in Mandaluyong and Quezon City have a new and enticing dining option to go to with the opening of ACafé (453 P. Guevarra St.). Even those living or working beyond the area would find a trip to ACafé worth it, as it offers a wide range of culinary choices and styles ranging from Asian, European and American dishes.
As a restaurant that styles itself as modern and contemporary, many of the traditional dishes on its menu are reimagined by giving them a creative twist or two. Thus, not only does it offer something for everybody, thanks to its range of continent-spanning dishes, ACafé also promises to give its guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
“We purposely went out of our way by offering people something familiar yet a tad different to give them a more unique and diverse dining experience,” says owner Diana Lee, the same businesswoman behind Aryana International Aesthetic Center.
Johnny Sy, Jo Sy, Wilson Dionision, Adela Dionisio, ACafé founder Diana Lee, Rosalie Montemayor and Efren Cruz
Jerome Ponce (of ABS CBN Star Magic), Councillor Ruru Ferriols, Mila Drilon, Mia Lim Cruz (ACafé’s head of communicaitons), Gema Sheryl Gapido (ACafé Operations Manager), Sen. Frank Drilon and Alex Vergara (PeopleAsia)
Lim Cruz, Lee, Gaykee Lino Azurin and husband retired B/Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
One of its best-selling appetizers, for instance, the Salmon Tartare, features ACafé’s signature dressing that’s guaranteed to “tantalize diners’ tastebuds,” Diana assures. Its Power Protein Salad consisting of mango and avocado, an ideal way to kickstart any meal, is also drizzled with the restaurant’s signature dressing.
Soup lovers won’t go wrong with ACafé’s Broccoli 2-Cheese Soup, whose creamy goodness and soothing delightful taste can be traced to a delectable blend of savory cheddar and premium Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses.
Another signature dish, the ACafé Squash Carbonara derives its creamy, savory quality and chock-full of flavors from the best locally sourced squash combined with high-quality classic carbonara pasta.
“Lest people forget, we’re also a bakery offering indulgent bakery treats, including various freshly baked breads, scrumptious pastries and artisanal beverages, from specialty coffees and freshly squeezed fruit juices,” Diana adds.
There are no elaborate secrets to ACafé’s offerings, really. It all boils down to quality ingredients, old-fashioned as well as creative cooking techniques.
As a seasoned entrepreneur who first made a name for herself in the beauty business, Diana also understands the importance of attention to details and the need to create a pleasant experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests.
“When I ventured into the restaurant business, I adopted a set of ethos that centered mainly on the notion of making our guests savor each bite and relish the culinary delights on offer, transcending mere consumption and transforming dining into a pleasurable and fulfilling experience,” she says.
ACafé, which can comfortably sit 40 guests – 24 indoor and 16 alfresco – is open to catering to private parties. For more information, call tel. nos. (02) 829-236-12; 0947-1923612
